January 2005

TEE in the pediatric patient is a unique procedure that requires a special fund of knowledge and skills base that differs from that which is necessary for the performance of TEE in the adult. We have outlined the indications, safety issues, and training and proficiency guidelines for performance of TEE in the pediatric patient. TEE has had a substantial positive impact on the care and management of the patient with CHD in all age groups, from the infant to the adult. In the future, high quality TEE in CHD will continue to be in great demand as the need for imaging of complex cardiovascular structures, both before and after intervention, continues to expand. It is hoped that these guidelines will act as a benchmark of quality for the performance of this important procedure.